Show Notes
Episode 22. Is Self-Care Christian?
Episode 22. Is Self-Care Christian?
He got up, ate, and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb.
~ 1 Kings 19:8
The idea of "self-care" can be confusing and even controversial - perhaps among Christians most of all. After all, aren't we meant to pour ourselves out in sacrificial love? To give of ourselves completely? On the surface, self-care would seem to contradict these core principles of faith and servanthood.
But if we are willing to face and embrace reality, we quickly run into our own limitations and finite resources as humans. In the course of our particular vocations and missions, we become exhausted - physically, emotionally, mentally, even spiritually. In moments like these, how can we take care of ourselves and truly re-create with God's help?
No matter your age or state in life, you'll find great value and practical application from this conversation. Be blessed and take care of your self!
Show Notes
Elijah’s moment of holy self-care:
Elijah was afraid and fled for his life, going to Beer-sheba of Judah. He left his servant there and went a day’s journey into the wilderness, until he came to a solitary broom tree and sat beneath it. He prayed for death: “Enough, LORD! Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” He lay down and fell asleep under the solitary broom tree, but suddenly a messenger touched him and said, “Get up and eat!” He looked and there at his head was a hearth cake and a jug of water. After he ate and drank, he lay down again, but the angel of the LORD came back a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat or the journey will be too much for you!” He got up, ate, and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb.1 Kings 19:3-8
The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.
Luke 5:15-16
True and holy self-care means paying attention to my physical, emotional, and mental needs so that I can love and serve God and others more perfectly & generously
Good self-care involves:
1. Living in the present
2. Growing in self-knowledge
3. Practicing creativity
Challenge By Choice
What are the ways that you practice self-care in order to serve and give of yourself more completely?
What hobbies or habits help you to truly “re-create” and be restored?
How do you know when you’re in need of self-care?